Tasting Notes

Release Date: Fall 2006

Pinot Noir winemakers are rarely content. It always seems to be a "work in progress."

That being said, we are delighted with the 2003 vintage. This is classic Mount Eden Pinot with exciting raspberry and wild strawberry aromas along with nuances of herb, earth and mint. Moderate in alcohol, the presentation on the palate is elegant at first with energy building through the mid-palate. Lush in flavor with layers of crushed raspberries, blackberries and cherries; the 2003 never drifts from our signature—precision, balance and varietal character.

Through delicious now, continued development should be expected for the next five years.

Production

601

Tech Notes

Yield: 2.5 tons per acre Harvest: September 14th-16th Numbers @ Harvest: 24.3 Brix , 3.64 pH, 7.2 grams acidity Barrel Regimen: Burgundy 100% new; aged 12 months on light lees Bottling: August 2004; no fining or filtration

Reviews

92 points Cellar Selection Wine Enthusiast Magazine  - April 2007

Even though this is really good now, it’s an ager.  It has that raw grapesap, acidic, too-young quality that makes it mere potential.  But what potential! With loads of cherries and black raspberries, terrific balance and dryness, and a gorgeously silky texture, it should open by mid-2007 and drink well through 2010.—S.H.

90 points Robert Parker Jr's The Wine Advocate - August 2006

Issue #166

Impressive characteristics of raspberries, black cherries, pomegranate, and a hint of wet stones are found in the 2003 Estate Pinot Noir. Good intensity and spice, medium body, fine elegance and richness, and a Burgundian style suggests it should drink well for 10-12 years.

89(+?) points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - September/October 2006

Medium red. Aromas of cherry liqueur, smoked meat, leather and exotic spices. Tangy and firm-edged, with strong acids framing the musky raspberry, mineral and espresso flavors. Distinctly dry and penetrating pinot noir, with the sheer acid spine to age slowly in bottle. Finishes quite taut, with lingering notes of minerals and smoked meat.